PEOPLE

The Southeast Missourian asked people for their thoughts about early Christmas shopping.

John Tucker: "It seems that people are starting a lot earlier this year than the years before, but I don't see that it hurts anything. I like to get mine done early. A lot of people are out browsing now."

Jeff Halpern: "I have no problems with the Christmas shopping season starting earlier. I know some people will do it before Thanksgiving, because the day after is the craziest shopping day of the year."

Bonnie Evans: "I don't really like Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas getting mixed together so much. You don't get to enjoy each one because you're thinking about getting ready for the next one."

Richie Wischmann: "I think it has gotten out of hand. People giving to others is good, but I think the retailers have pushed it to a point where most people are discouraged with it, because it's a mad rush."

Danny Swofford: "A lot of my friends already have bought a lot of presents. I usually put it off until about two weeks before Christmas. People don't tell me what they want me to get them until then."

Stephanie Parrish: "I try not to think about it just yet. I always want to buy people nice presents, but I never seem to have enough money. So I guess I wait a while closer to Christmas to do my shopping."